Before the Senate Standing Committee on Utilities February 3, Opponent Testimony On Senate Bill 346

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Before the Senate Standing Committee on Utilities February 3, 2016. Opponent Testimony On Senate Bill 346"

Transcription

1 Before the Senate Standing Committee on Utilities February 3, 2016 Opponent Testimony On Senate Bill 346 Submitted by Christine Aarnes, Chief of Telecommunications, Utilities Division On Behalf of The Staff of the Kansas Corporation Commission Chair Olsen, Vice Chair Petersen, Ranking Minority Member Francisco, and members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear before your committee today on behalf of the staff of the Kansas Corporation Commission (Commission). My name is Christine Aarnes and I am the Chief of Telecommunications. The Commission has the responsibility of ensuring that all local exchange carriers preserve and enhance universal service and provide quality telecommunications services, while also safeguarding the rights of consumers. The Commission staff does not believe SB 346 would further those goals, which is why we are opposing SB 346. In summary, if the proposed bill is enacted: The minimum annual financial impact on the Kansas Universal Service Fund (KUSF) would be $17.1 million, which would increase the KUSF assessment rate by 38%, from 6.53% to 9.04%; Local exchange carriers could be allowed to over earn, at the expense of Kansas consumers; and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers could be subject to additional regulations, which may not be the intent of the legislation. Commission staff appreciates the opportunity to share staff's analysis of the proposed changes and potential impacts to the KUSF, Kansas telecommunications providers, and consumers. My testimony will address various elements of the bill and provide recommendations for the Committee s consideration. Background In 1996, the Kansas Legislature determined that it was appropriate to create a state universal service fund subsidy to maintain and enhance universal service. The KUSF was created by the Commission and implemented March 1, As of March 1, 2016, the KUSF funding obligation will be $47.6 million, including high-cost support in the

2 amount of $4.5 million for the competitive eligible telecommunications carriers, $10.9 million 1 for CenturyLink, and $29.2 million for the rate of return carriers. Pursuant to K.S.A (a), every telecommunications carrier, telecommunications public utility, wireless telecommunications service provider and interconnected VoIP provider that provides intrastate retail telecommunications services must contribute to the KUSF. On March 1, 2016, the current assessment rate of 6.47% on intrastate retail revenues will increase slightly to 6.53%. K.S.A (a) authorizes, but does not require, a company to collect an amount equal to, or less than, the assessment it owes to the KUSF from its end-user customers, which the majority of companies do. The Federal Communications Commission s (FCC) universal service funding mechanisms also provide support for carriers intrastate costs, which is known as Federal High Cost Loop (FHCL) support. 2 The FHCL amount the carrier receives is used as an offset to the company s KUSF support because it is revenue the company receives to recover its intrastate costs. In November 2011, the FCC comprehensively reformed and modernized its universal service funding mechanisms to ensure that robust, affordable voice and broadband services are available to Americans throughout the nation. The FCC adopted what it referred to as fiscally responsible, accountable, incentive-based policies to transition the outdated systems to the new Connect America Fund. 3 Although the FCC expanded the services it supported (voice and broadband), it determined that a higher budget was not warranted, given the substantial reforms it adopted to modernize its legacy funding mechanisms to address long-standing inefficiencies and wasteful spending. 4 The FCC stated that its package of universal service reforms was targeted at eliminating inefficiencies and closing gaps in its system, not at making indiscriminate industry-wide reductions. Many of the rules addressed had not been comprehensively examined for more than a decade and directed funding in ways that no longer made sense in the current marketplace. The FCC stated that by providing an opportunity for a stable 11.25% interstate return for rate-of-return companies, regardless of the necessity or prudence of any given investment, its prior system imposed no practical limits on the type or extent of network upgrades or investment. The FCC asserted that its prior funding system provided universal service support to both a well-run company operating as efficiently as possible and a company with high costs due to imprudent investment decisions, unwarranted corporate overhead, or an inefficient operating structure. 5 1 $10.9 million is an estimated amount, which is subject to change following the Commission s review of the appropriate offset for Connect America Fund II monies. 2 FHCL provides support to local exchange carriers (LECs) that have loop costs above the national average. FHCL also includes Safety Net Additive (SNA) and Safety Valve Support (SVS). SNA provides support to LECs with over 14 percent growth in telecommunications plant in service on a per-line basis and SVS provides additional support for 'meaningful new investments' in exchanges acquired by rural carriers. 3 USF/ICC Reform Order, WC Docket No , Rel. November 18, 2011, 1. 4 Id. at Id. at 287. Page 2 of 7

3 The FCC was taking the overdue steps necessary to address the misaligned incentives in its prior funding system by correcting program design flaws, extending successful safeguards, ensuring basic fiscal responsibility, and closing loopholes to ensure its rules reward only prudent and efficient investment in modern networks. The FCC s reforms will help ensure rate-of-return carriers retain the incentive and ability to invest and operate modern networks capable of delivering broadband as well as voice services, while eliminating unnecessary spending that unnecessarily limits funding that is available to consumers in high-cost, unserved communities. 6 Because the FCC s approach is focused on rooting out inefficiencies, the FCC stated that the reforms would not affect all carriers in the same manner or in the same magnitude. After significant analysis, including review of numerous cost studies submitted by individual small companies and cost consultants, the FCC was confident that these incremental reforms would not endanger existing service to consumers. Further, the FCC stated that it strongly believed that carriers that invest and operate in a prudent manner would be minimally affected by its reforms. 7 To the extent that any individual company can demonstrate that it needs temporary and/or partial relief from one or more of the FCC s reforms in order for its customers to continue receiving voice service in areas where there is no terrestrial alternative, the FCC will review a request for additional support. The FCC, however, stated that it did not anticipate routinely granting requests for additional support, and any company that seeks additional funding would be subject to a thorough total company earnings review. 8 Proposed Legislation SB 346 Rate of Return Carrier KUSF Support The most troubling section of the bill is the proposed change to K.S.A (e)(1). The proposed language changes the current requirement that KUSF support for rate of return carriers shall be based on such carrier s embedded costs, revenue requirements, investments and expenses to instead require that rate of return carrier KUSF support shall ensure recovery of such carrier s intrastate embedded costs, revenue requirements, investments and expenses. This language revision, although seemingly minor, is not. K.S.A (e)(2) and (e)(3) were modified by the 2013 Kansas Legislature to impose an annual $30 million cap on rate of return carrier KUSF support and to prevent KUSF support from offsetting any loss of federal universal service support. Presumably, the 2013 Legislature adopted these measures over concerns that the amount of KUSF support rate of return carriers receive could increase due to the universal service reforms implemented by the FCC. The proposed language in SB 346 effectively negates these provisions by ensuring rate of return carriers KUSF support recovers such carrier s intrastate embedded costs, revenue requirements, investments and expenses. 6 Id. at Id. at Id. at 202. Page 3 of 7

4 The proposed language could also be interpreted to mean that a rate of return carrier is ensured it will recover all of its recorded intrastate embedded costs, revenue requirements, investments, and expenses, which would essentially provide unlimited funding at the expense of all Kansas telecommunications providers and consumers. The Commission has historically disallowed claimed expenses for items such as lobbying, advertising, sponsorships, political contributions, family travel, alcohol, and entertainment because these expenses are not necessary for the provision of safe and reliable service. The proposed language could be interpreted to allow for recovery of such currently-disallowed expenses from the KUSF. The proposed language transfers the very inefficiencies the FCC wanted to eliminate to the KUSF. Specifically, providing an opportunity for a stable return for rate of return companies, regardless of the necessity or prudence of any given investment, and imposing no practical limits on the type or extent of network upgrades or investment may lead to inefficient and wasteful spending. Similar to the FCC s prior funding system, it would provide support to both a well-run company operating as efficiently as possible and a company with high costs due to imprudent investment decisions, unwarranted corporate overhead, or an inefficient operating structure. The financial impact of this particular provision is difficult to quantify because it is unknown how much KUSF funding a rate of return carrier would seek to recover from the KUSF; however, it could be substantial. For example, in the most recent KUSF audit proceeding, the company requested $1.43 million in KUSF support in addition to its thencurrent $3.67 million in annual KUSF support. Following staff s review of the company s records and the filing of testimony, the Commission ultimately awarded the company $14,688 in additional annual KUSF support, substantially less than the company s initial request. The proposed bill also modifies K.S.A (e)(2), which currently states that KUSF support shall not be used to offset any loss of federal support and instead states that KUSF support shall not be used to offset any reduction of federal universal service fund support for recovery of such carrier s interstate costs and investments. First, as discussed above, the revision to K.S.A (e)(1) effectively negates the current prohibition of KUSF support making up for losses in federal funding, and this revision takes it one step further to ensure that a rate of return carrier s KUSF support is not reduced in any way. Because the FCC s reforms are focused on rooting out inefficiencies and wasteful spending, the FCC stated that the reforms would not affect all carriers in the same manner or in the same magnitude and this has held true for Kansas carriers. Since the enactment of HB 2201 in 2013, Kansas rate of return carrier annual FHCL support has declined collectively by $9.6 million. Fifteen Kansas rate of return carriers receive more annual FHCL support than they received prior to the enactment of HB 2201 ($7.5 million) and twenty carriers FHCL funding has been reduced ($17.1 million). If the proposed bill is passed and all of the carriers whose federal support has decreased request KUSF support to make up for reduced federal support, the fiscal impact would be an annual increase of Page 4 of 7

5 $17.1 million. This alone would increase the KUSF assessment rate from 6.53% to 9.04%, and the assessment rate will continue to increase in future years due to continued declining intrastate assessable revenues. Lastly, with regard to K.S.A (e)(2), there appears to be a typo in the proposed bill as it states KUSF support shall not be used offset any reduction of FHCL support for recovery of such carrier s interstate costs and investments. The Commission staff assumes intrastate was intended to be used instead of interstate because local exchange carriers do not recover interstate costs from the KUSF. Local Rate Increases In order to ensure that carriers in rural areas are not unfairly burdening consumers across the nation by using excess federal universal service support to subsidize artificially low end-user rates, the FCC determined that it would reduce FHCL support for carriers that maintain artificially low end-user voice rates. Specifically, effective July 1, 2012, the FCC began reducing, on a dollar-for-dollar basis, FHCL support to the extent that a carrier s local rates were below a specified urban local rate floor. If a carrier s local rate plus state regulated fees, such as the KUSF assessment, are below the rate floor benchmark, the carrier s FHCL support is reduced. The rate floor benchmark was $10 effective July 1, 2012; $14 effective July 1, 2013; and, $16 effective July 1, To date, none of the Kansas carriers federal support has been reduced as a result of this rule. Pursuant to the proposed bill, the Commission is to approve an application by a rural telephone company to increase its local rate to ensure a local exchange carrier s local rate is not below the FCC rate floor, and the carrier s KUSF support shall not be reduced to offset the increased revenue the carrier will receive from its local ratepayers. In some cases, it may be appropriate not to reduce a carrier s KUSF support if its local rate is increased; however, in other cases, it may allow a carrier to over earn at the expense of its ratepayers and all other Kansas consumers. It would be unjust for all Kansas providers and their subscribers that contribute to the KUSF to continue to subsidize a carrier and allow such carrier to over earn. It would be more appropriate to approach this on a caseby-case basis based on each carrier s individual circumstances. The placement of the language revision in K.S.A (d) is also confusing. Currently, K.S.A (d) describes the biennial process whereby rural telephone companies increase their local residential and single-line business rates to the statewide rural telephone company average rates and the carrier s KUSF is reduced by the amount of increased annual revenue the carrier will receive due to the local rate increases from its customers. It is unclear if the KUSF would be reduced in this instance or whether the carrier could simply claim it is increasing its local residential rate to ensure it is not below the FCC rate floor and keep the increased local ratepayer revenue and its KUSF subsidy. It is also unclear: (1) whether the company would be able to make a separate application requesting a local rate increase to ensure it is above the FCC rate floor or if the request could only be made in conjunction with the biennial local rate adjustment process; (2) Page 5 of 7

6 whether there would be any limit on the amount of a local rate increase the carrier could request; (3) what timeframe would be provided for the Commission to review such applications; (4) whether this provision creates a conflict with K.S.A (b), which allows for local rate increases up to $1.50 per year; and (5) whether the calculation of the statewide rural telephone company average rates would include the increased rates or not. If it is the Legislature s desire to allow rural telephone companies to increase their local rates to avoid facing a reduction in their federal funding, the language should be revised and clarified to ensure the directives are clear. Commission staff also recommends language be added to ensure a carrier is not allowed to over earn at the expense of Kansas consumers. VoIP Regulation The 2013 Kansas Legislature passed HB 2326 which created K.S.A Pursuant to K.S.A , VoIP and Internet Protocol (IP)-enabled service are exempt from the jurisdiction, regulation, or supervision of the state or any political subdivision, with a few exceptions. K.S.A specifies the requirements VoIP services are and are not subject to. The language in the proposed bill states that no provision of this section shall be construed to modify the regulation of any rural telephone company. Staff is uncertain what this language is intended to accomplish. It is possible that the language was added to codify that rural telephone companies would remain subject to state and Commission regulations regardless of whether the company converts from circuit-switched technology to IP-based technology. The language could, however, also be construed to imply that VoIP carriers are not exempt from the Rural Entry Guidelines because it relates to the regulation of a rural telephone company. The Rural Entry Guidelines, which were established almost 20 years ago, exempt rural telephone companies from certain obligations of an incumbent local exchange carrier, which are prerequisites for competition. 9 The Rural Entry Guidelines also require the applicant to meet the eligible telecommunications carrier requirements and obtain a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Commission. Currently, wireless and VoIP providers are able to provide service to customers anywhere in the state they wish to serve but, under such an interpretation, VoIP providers would no longer be able to do so unless each carrier goes through the Rural Entry process and the Commission approves each request for each rural telephone company service area. 9 Pursuant to the Rural Entry Guidelines, rural telephone companies are exempt from certain obligations, such as the duty to negotiate interconnection, unbundled access, resale, notice of changes, and collocation, unless a rural telephone company has received a bona fide request for interconnection, services, or network elements and the Commission determines that such request is not unduly economically burdensome, is technically feasible and preserves and enhances universal service. Page 6 of 7

7 Unless the Committee intends for VoIP providers to be subject to the Rural Entry Guidelines, it should be clarified that this provision does not affect VoIP providers and the Rural Entry Guidelines or any other rural telephone company regulation. Staff, has no concerns with codifying the continued Commission jurisdiction over rural telephone companies, but suggests the language be revised to clarify that this is the intent. Broadband Pursuant to the proposed bill, the definition of broadband in K.S.A. 66-1,187(a) is amended from 1.5 megabits per second to 10 megabits per second download and one megabit per second upload. The proposal also declares it is the sixth public policy of the state to promote local investment and the development and expansion of economic opportunities, through the statewide availability and ongoing enhancement of reliable and affordable broadband data and communication services. It is unclear why the definition was revised and why the additional public policy of the state was added, but it could be construed to imply that the KUSF shall provide support for investment, maintenance, and enhancement of broadband at speeds of 10 Mbps/1 Mbps. Currently, the KUSF implicitly provides funding for infrastructure that provides broadband at this speed because the same network is utilized to provide voice services, but broadband is not explicitly funded. If it is the Committee s desire to explicitly support broadband at the aforementioned speeds from the KUSF, Commission staff recommends the Committee add a provision to ensure that broadband revenues are included in KUSF audit proceedings as broadband would be an explicitly supported service. Explicitly supporting broadband will have a financial impact on the KUSF, but it would be difficult to quantify because it is unknown what additional costs would be incurred. If the legislature does not intend for the KUSF to explicitly subsidize the investment, maintenance, and enhancement of broadband at the aforementioned speeds, Commission staff recommends the policy statement either be eliminated or revised to state it is the public policy of the state to promote local investment and the development and expansion of economic opportunities, through the statewide availability and ongoing enhancement of privately funded reliable and affordable broadband data and communication services. Conclusion The Commission staff has concerns about the potential financial impact SB 346 could have on the KUSF, Kansas telecommunications carriers and consumers, and the possible unintended consequences the proposed bill could create. Therefore, Commission staff is opposed to SB 346. Thank you for your consideration of these comments and the opportunity to appear before your committee. Page 7 of 7

Report of the Telecommunications Study Committee to the 2015 Kansas Legislature

Report of the Telecommunications Study Committee to the 2015 Kansas Legislature TELECOMMUNICATIONS STUDY COMMITTEE Report of the Telecommunications Study Committee to the 2015 Kansas Legislature CO-CHAIRPERSON: Senator Mike Petersen CO-CHAIRPERSON: Representative Joe Seiwert OTHER

More information

March 13, 2012. Enclosed for filing in the above-referenced matter, please find Reply Comments of the Michigan Cable Telecommunications Association.

March 13, 2012. Enclosed for filing in the above-referenced matter, please find Reply Comments of the Michigan Cable Telecommunications Association. 124 West Allegan Street, Suite 1000 Lansing, Michigan 48933 T (517) 482-5800 F (517) 482-0887 www.fraserlawfirm.com Michael S. Ashton MAshton@fraserlawfirm.com (517) 377-0875 March 13, 2012 Ms. Mary Jo

More information

KANSAS CORPORATION COMMISSION IP-to-IP Interconnection Report

KANSAS CORPORATION COMMISSION IP-to-IP Interconnection Report KANSAS CORPORATION COMMISSION IP-to-IP Interconnection Report 2014 REPORT ON IP- TO- IP INTERCONNECTION A Summary of Status of the FCC s Internet Protocol- to- Internet Protocol Interconnection Proceeding

More information

Connect America Fund & Intercarrier Compensation Reform Order and FNPRM Executive Summary

Connect America Fund & Intercarrier Compensation Reform Order and FNPRM Executive Summary Connect America Fund & Intercarrier Compensation Reform Order and FNPRM Executive Summary Universal Service Reform 1. Principles and Goals. We begin by adopting support for broadband-capable networks as

More information

THE STATE CORPORATION COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF KANSAS. Thomas E. Wright, Chairman Michael C. Moffet Joseph F. Harkins

THE STATE CORPORATION COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF KANSAS. Thomas E. Wright, Chairman Michael C. Moffet Joseph F. Harkins THE STATE CORPORATION COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF KANSAS Before Commissioners: Thomas E. Wright, Chairman Michael C. Moffet Joseph F. Harkins In the Matter of the Investigation to Address Obligations of

More information

America s Broadband Connectivity Plan

America s Broadband Connectivity Plan July 29, 2011 Chairman Julius Genachowski Commissioner Michael Copps Commissioner Robert McDowell Commissioner Mignon Clyburn Federal Communications Commission 445 Twelfth Street, S.W. Washington, D.C.

More information

How We Got Here: The Oregon Universal Service Fund Prepared for the April 16, 2015 Workshop Docket UM 1481

How We Got Here: The Oregon Universal Service Fund Prepared for the April 16, 2015 Workshop Docket UM 1481 How We Got Here: The Oregon Universal Service Fund Prepared for the April 16, 2015 Workshop Docket UM 1481 THE EARLY YEARS 1994 TO 1999 DOCKET UM 731 PHASE I: POLICY GOALS AND DESIGN OBJECTIVES IN 1995

More information

Before the Federal Communications Commission Washington, D.C. 20554 COMMENTS OF JOHN STAURULAKIS, INC.

Before the Federal Communications Commission Washington, D.C. 20554 COMMENTS OF JOHN STAURULAKIS, INC. Before the Federal Communications Commission Washington, D.C. 20554 In the Matter of High-Cost Universal Service Support Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service WC Docket No. 05-337 CC Docket No.

More information

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL NOTE. HOUSE BILL NO. 911 PRINTERS NO. 1878 PRIME SPONSOR: Barrar

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL NOTE. HOUSE BILL NO. 911 PRINTERS NO. 1878 PRIME SPONSOR: Barrar HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS FISCAL NOTE HOUSE BILL NO. 911 PRINTERS NO. 1878 PRIME SPONSOR: Barrar COST / (SAVINGS) FUND FY 2014/15 FY 2015/16 911 Fund; General Fund See Fiscal Impact See Fiscal

More information

Before the PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION OF WISCONSIN Madison Wisconsin

Before the PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION OF WISCONSIN Madison Wisconsin Before the PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION OF WISCONSIN Madison Wisconsin Investigation of Voice over ) Case No. 5-TI-2071 Internet Protocol in Wisconsin ) Public Comments of Communications Workers of America

More information

REFORM SCENARIOS AND POTENTIAL FINANCIAL IMPACTS

REFORM SCENARIOS AND POTENTIAL FINANCIAL IMPACTS REFORM SCENARIOS AND POTENTIAL FINANCIAL IMPACTS A White Paper To The State Members Of The Federal-State Joint Board On Universal Service February 7, 2011 DISCLAIMER THIS WHITE PAPER HAS BEEN PREPARED

More information

Kelly Cameron +1(301) 768-7263 kcameron@camerontelecomlaw.com +216 95 320 650. 26 janvier 2015

Kelly Cameron +1(301) 768-7263 kcameron@camerontelecomlaw.com +216 95 320 650. 26 janvier 2015 TUNISIA BUSINESS REFORM AND COMPETITIVENESS PROJECT Workshop sur le Service Universel L Expérience Américaine Kelly Cameron +1(301) 768-7263 kcameron@camerontelecomlaw.com +216 95 320 650 26 janvier 2015

More information

How To Review Chapter 364 Of The Florida State Constitution

How To Review Chapter 364 Of The Florida State Constitution The Florida Senate Interim Report 2011-108 October 2010 Committee on Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities REVIEW CHAPTER 364, FLORIDA STATUTES, RELATING TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANIES TO IDENTIFY

More information

I. Introduction. II. What is ALEC?

I. Introduction. II. What is ALEC? Testimony of John Stephenson American Legislative Exchange Council Before the Kansas House Committee on Commerce, Labor, and Economic Development Regarding House Bill 2326 February 18, 2013 I. Introduction

More information

Before the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20554

Before the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20554 Before the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20554 In the Matter of ) Technology Transitions ) GN Docket No. 13-5 ) Policies and Rules Governing Retirement ) RM-11358 Of Copper Loops by

More information

Before the Federal Communications Commission Washington, D.C. 20554 ) ) ) ) ) ) COMMENTS OF THE UNITED STATES TELECOM ASSOCIATION

Before the Federal Communications Commission Washington, D.C. 20554 ) ) ) ) ) ) COMMENTS OF THE UNITED STATES TELECOM ASSOCIATION Before the Federal Communications Commission Washington, D.C. 20554 In the Matter of High-Cost Universal Service Support Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service WC Docket No. 05-337 CC Docket No.

More information

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION RELEASES STUDY ON TELEPHONE TRENDS

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION RELEASES STUDY ON TELEPHONE TRENDS NEWS Federal Communications Commission 445 12 th Street, S.W. Washington, D. C. 20554 News Media Information 202 / 418-0500 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov TTY: 1-888-835-5322 This is an unofficial announcement

More information

Facing Broadband Service Support Challenges

Facing Broadband Service Support Challenges Before the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, DC 20554 In the Matter of High-Cost Universal Service Support Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service Request for Review of Decision of Universal

More information

BEFORE THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554

BEFORE THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554 BEFORE THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554 In the Matter of: ) ) Development of Nationwide Broadband Data ) WC Docket No. 07-38 to Evaluate Reasonable and Timely ) Deployment of

More information

Instructions for Completing 54.313 / 54.422 Data Collection Form * * * * *

Instructions for Completing 54.313 / 54.422 Data Collection Form * * * * * Instructions for Completing 54.313 / 54.422 Data Collection Form * * * * * Instructions for Completing FCC Form 481 NOTICE: All eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) requesting federal high-cost

More information

CHAPTER 15 - TELECOMMUNICATIONS ARTICLE 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS. 37-15-101. Short title; sunset.

CHAPTER 15 - TELECOMMUNICATIONS ARTICLE 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS. 37-15-101. Short title; sunset. CHAPTER 15 - TELECOMMUNICATIONS ARTICLE 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS 37-15-101. Short title; sunset. (a) This chapter shall be known as the "Wyoming Telecommunications Act." (b) This chapter is repealed effective

More information

Legal Alert: FCC Imposes Additional USF Contribution Obligations on Interconnected VoIP Providers, Increases Wireless Safe Harbor

Legal Alert: FCC Imposes Additional USF Contribution Obligations on Interconnected VoIP Providers, Increases Wireless Safe Harbor Legal Alert: FCC Imposes Additional USF Contribution Obligations on Interconnected VoIP Providers, Increases Wireless Safe Harbor July 7, 2006 On June 27, 2006, the Federal Communications Commission (

More information

TESTIMONY OF THE VOICE ON THE NET COALITION BEFORE THE SENATE JOBS, AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE. HEARING ON S.F. No.

TESTIMONY OF THE VOICE ON THE NET COALITION BEFORE THE SENATE JOBS, AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE. HEARING ON S.F. No. TESTIMONY OF THE VOICE ON THE NET COALITION BEFORE THE SENATE JOBS, AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE HEARING ON S.F. No. 895 FEBRUARY 25, 2015 Good afternoon Chairman Sparks, Vice Chair Schmit

More information

BEFORE THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554

BEFORE THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554 BEFORE THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554 In the Matter of ) ) Verizon Communications Inc. ) ) WC Docket No. 15-44 and ) ) Frontier Communications Corporation ) ) Application

More information

BEFORE THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554 OPPOSITION OF THE UNITED STATES TELECOM ASSOCIATION

BEFORE THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554 OPPOSITION OF THE UNITED STATES TELECOM ASSOCIATION BEFORE THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554 In the Matter of ) ) WC Docket No. 10-90 Connect America Fund ) OPPOSITION OF THE UNITED STATES TELECOM ASSOCIATION The United States

More information

STATE OF ILLINOIS ILLINOIS COMMERCE COMMISSION PETITION. filing, and respectfully requests that the Commission determine and establish the charge and

STATE OF ILLINOIS ILLINOIS COMMERCE COMMISSION PETITION. filing, and respectfully requests that the Commission determine and establish the charge and STATE OF ILLINOIS ILLINOIS COMMERCE COMMISSION Illinois Telecommunications Access ) Corporation ) ) No. 11- Petition for annual line charge ) determination pursuant to 83 Ill. ) Adm. Code 755.500. ) PETITION

More information

Before the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20554

Before the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20554 Before the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20554 In the Matter of ) ) High-Cost Universal Service Support ) WC Docket No. 05-337 ) Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service ) CC

More information

Before the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20554 ) ) ) ) COMMENTS OF COMCAST CORPORATION

Before the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20554 ) ) ) ) COMMENTS OF COMCAST CORPORATION Before the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20554 In the Matter of The Technological Transition of the Nation s Communications Infrastructure GN Docket No. 12-353 COMMENTS OF COMCAST

More information

VoIP Enhanced 911 and Enhanced Wireless 911 Service

VoIP Enhanced 911 and Enhanced Wireless 911 Service VoIP Enhanced 911 and Enhanced Wireless 911 Service This Act deals with enhanced wireless 911 services and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). The bill defines terms that are specific to enhanced wireless

More information

Before the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, DC 20554

Before the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, DC 20554 Before the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, DC 20554 In the Matter of ) ) Implementation of Section 621(a)(1) of the ) MB Docket No. 05-311 Cable Communication Policy Act of 1984 ) as amended

More information

Before the. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20554

Before the. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20554 Before the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20554 In the Matter of ) ) Connect America Fund ) WC Docket No. 10-90 ) A National Broadband Plan for our Future ) GN Docket No. 09-51 ) High

More information

Before the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, DC 20554 ) ) ) ) COMMENTS OF THE UNITED STATES TELECOM ASSOCIATION

Before the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, DC 20554 ) ) ) ) COMMENTS OF THE UNITED STATES TELECOM ASSOCIATION Before the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, DC 20554 In the Matter of Protecting and Promoting the Open Internet ) ) ) ) GN Docket No. 14-28 COMMENTS OF THE UNITED STATES TELECOM ASSOCIATION

More information

Before the Federal Communications Commission Washington, DC 20554

Before the Federal Communications Commission Washington, DC 20554 Before the Federal Communications Commission Washington, DC 20554 In the Matter of Technologies Transitions Policy Task Force GN Docket No. 13-5 COMMENTS OF THE AMERICAN CABLE ASSOCIATION ON PUBLIC NOTICE

More information

The Florida Senate. Interim Project Report 2002-146 October 2001 UNIVERSAL PROVISION OF DSL SERVICES IN FLORIDA

The Florida Senate. Interim Project Report 2002-146 October 2001 UNIVERSAL PROVISION OF DSL SERVICES IN FLORIDA The Florida Senate Interim Project Report 2002-146 October 2001 Committee on Regulated Industries Senator Walter "Skip" Campbell, Jr., Chairman UNIVERSAL PROVISION OF DSL SERVICES IN FLORIDA SUMMARY Staff

More information

Before the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20554 COMMENTS OF THE NEW JERSEY DIVISION OF THE RATEPAYER ADVOCATE

Before the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20554 COMMENTS OF THE NEW JERSEY DIVISION OF THE RATEPAYER ADVOCATE Before the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20554 In the Matter of ) ) Telecommunications Relay Services and ) Speech-to-Speech Services for ) CG Docket No. 03-123 Individuals with Hearing

More information

Before the Federal Communications Commission Washington, D.C. 20554 ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) RECOMMENDED DECISION

Before the Federal Communications Commission Washington, D.C. 20554 ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) RECOMMENDED DECISION Before the Federal Communications Commission Washington, D.C. 20554 In the Matter of High-Cost Universal Service Support Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) WC Docket No. 05-337

More information

The Free State Foundation

The Free State Foundation A Free Market Think Tank For Maryland Because Ideas Matter Testimony of Randolph J. May President before the Senate Finance Committee and the House Economic Matters Committee of the Maryland General Assembly

More information

SUBCHAPTER A. General Rules for Medical Billing and Processing 133.1-133.3. SUBCHAPTER B. Health Care Provider Billing Procedures 133.10 and 133.

SUBCHAPTER A. General Rules for Medical Billing and Processing 133.1-133.3. SUBCHAPTER B. Health Care Provider Billing Procedures 133.10 and 133. Page 1 of 79 Pages DWC-06-0024 SUBCHAPTER A. General Rules for Medical Billing and Processing 133.1-133.3 SUBCHAPTER B. Health Care Provider Billing Procedures 133.10 and 133.20 SUBCHAPTER C. Medical Bill

More information

MAINE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

MAINE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION MAINE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION Report to the Legislature Pursuant to An Act to Reform Telecommunications Regulation, Public Law 2011, Chapter 623, Section D-7, Regarding Assessments Paid By Voice Service

More information

Analysis and Recommendations Regarding the Regulation of FairPoint Communications, LLC Report Required By Act 53 of the 2011-12 Legislative Session

Analysis and Recommendations Regarding the Regulation of FairPoint Communications, LLC Report Required By Act 53 of the 2011-12 Legislative Session Analysis and Recommendations FairPoint Communications, LLC Report Required By Act 53 of the 2011-12 Legislative Session Department of Public Service January 10, 2012 TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Summary...1

More information

ASSESSING HIGH-SPEED INTERNET ACCESS IN THE STATE OF IOWA: SIXTH ASSESSMENT

ASSESSING HIGH-SPEED INTERNET ACCESS IN THE STATE OF IOWA: SIXTH ASSESSMENT ASSESSING HIGH-SPEED INTERNET ACCESS IN THE STATE OF IOWA: SIXTH ASSESSMENT A Report of the Iowa Utilities Board Utilities Board: John Norris (Chairman) Krista K. Tanner Darrell Hanson IUB Project Manager

More information

FCC Urban Rates Survey Data Collection. Filing Instructions

FCC Urban Rates Survey Data Collection. Filing Instructions FCC Urban Rates Survey Data Collection Filing Instructions Industry Analysis & Technology Division Wireline Competition Bureau Federal Communications Commission Table of Contents Introduction... 1 Before

More information

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado: NOTE: This bill has been prepared for the signatures of the appropriate legislative officers and the Governor. To determine whether the Governor has signed the bill or taken other action on it, please

More information

SB 385 AN ACT. The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby enacts as follows:

SB 385 AN ACT. The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby enacts as follows: PUBLIC SAFETY EMERGENCY TELEPHONE ACT - INTERCONNECTED VOICE OVER INTERNET PROTOCOL SERVICE AND VOIP 911 EMERGENCY SERVICES FUND Act of Jul. 9, 2008, P.L. 948, No. 72 Cl. 35 Session of 2008 No. 2008-72

More information

BEFORE THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554. In the Matter of ) ) Rural Call Completion ) WC Docket No.

BEFORE THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554. In the Matter of ) ) Rural Call Completion ) WC Docket No. BEFORE THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554 In the Matter of ) ) Rural Call Completion ) WC Docket No. 13-39 COMMENTS OF THE UNITED STATES TELECOM ASSOCIATION The United States

More information

Before the Federal Communications Commission Washington, DC 20554

Before the Federal Communications Commission Washington, DC 20554 Before the Federal Communications Commission Washington, DC 20554 In the Matter of AT&T Petition to Launch a Proceeding Concerning the TDM-to-IP Transition GN Docket No. 12-353 Petition of the National

More information

The IP Transition Copper Retirement - Service Discontinuance Residential Backup Power FCC Privacy Authority

The IP Transition Copper Retirement - Service Discontinuance Residential Backup Power FCC Privacy Authority TSTCI Annual Membership Meeting October 14-16, 2015 The IP Transition Copper Retirement - Service Discontinuance Residential Backup Power FCC Privacy Authority Tony Veach Bennet&Bennet, PLLC LEGAL DISCLAIMER

More information

Addendum StartPage: 0

Addendum StartPage: 0 Control Number : 39717 Item Number : 29 Addendum StartPage: 0 PROJECT NO. 39717 cz * s; ^^1^,jA lt RULEMAKING PROCEEDING PUBLIC UTILITY COMNIISj^; RELATED TO VOICE OVER INTERNET PROTOCOL (VoIP) OF TEXAS

More information

Questions for the Record from Chairman John Thune To Mr. Scott Bergmann

Questions for the Record from Chairman John Thune To Mr. Scott Bergmann Questions for the Record from Chairman John Thune To Mr. Scott Bergmann Question 1. Based on studies submitted by the FCC, the GAO Report concluded that many lowincome households would choose to subscribe

More information

The Future of IDAHO S UNIVERSAL SERVICE AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO BROADBAND DEPLOYMENT

The Future of IDAHO S UNIVERSAL SERVICE AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO BROADBAND DEPLOYMENT Idaho Public Utilities Commission The Future of IDAHO S UNIVERSAL SERVICE AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO BROADBAND DEPLOYMENT April 2015 Idaho Public Utilities Commission 472 W. Washington St. Boise, ID 83702

More information

62-110. Certificate of convenience and necessity.

62-110. Certificate of convenience and necessity. Article 6. The Utility Franchise. 62-110. Certificate of convenience and necessity. (a) Except as provided for bus companies in Article 12 of this Chapter, no public utility shall hereafter begin the construction

More information

GAO. Federal and State Universal Service Programs and Challenges to Funding TELECOMMUNICATIONS

GAO. Federal and State Universal Service Programs and Challenges to Funding TELECOMMUNICATIONS GAO February 2002 United States General Accounting Office Report to the Ranking Minority Member, Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, Committee on Energy and Commerce, House of Representatives

More information

Connect South Carolina Final Grant Report Page 18

Connect South Carolina Final Grant Report Page 18 Connect South Carolina Final Grant Report Page 18 IV. STATEWIDE INITIATIVES AND RESEARCH Broadband Mapping in South Carolina For South Carolina communities to continue to thrive through a vibrant broadband

More information

Before the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20554

Before the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20554 Before the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20554 In the Matter of ) ) Jurisdictional Separations Reform ) and Referral to the Federal-State ) CC Docket No. 80-286 Joint Board ) ) Communications

More information

STATE OF IOWA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE IOWA UTILITIES BOARD. ) ) ) ) ) Docket No. NOI-2013-0001 ) ) ) COMMENTS OF THE VOICE ON THE NET COALITION

STATE OF IOWA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE IOWA UTILITIES BOARD. ) ) ) ) ) Docket No. NOI-2013-0001 ) ) ) COMMENTS OF THE VOICE ON THE NET COALITION STATE OF IOWA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE IOWA UTILITIES BOARD IN RE: INQUIRY INTO THE APPROPRIATE SCOPE OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS REGULATION Docket No. NOI-2013-0001 COMMENTS OF THE VOICE ON THE NET COALITION

More information

Taxing Telecommunications

Taxing Telecommunications Taxing Telecommunications October 11, 2005 Deborah R. Bierbaum, Director External Tax Policy Document/Ref erence Number 2004 AT&T, All Rights Reserv ed. Overview Review issues and factors challenging current

More information

Re: The Commission s Own Motion, to Commence an Investigation into Voice Over Internet Protocol Issues in Michigan MPSC Case No.

Re: The Commission s Own Motion, to Commence an Investigation into Voice Over Internet Protocol Issues in Michigan MPSC Case No. Lansing, Michigan Office: 2455 Woodlake Circle Okemos, MI 48864-5941 Tel. (517 381-9193 Fax (517 381-0268 www.clarkhill.com Haran C. Rashes Phone: (517 381-2132 E-Mail: hrashes@clarkhill.com April 2, 2004

More information

choice. call. telephone. Consumer Assistance It s your It s your It s your Dear Consumer, A PSC Consumer Guide www.askpsc.com

choice. call. telephone. Consumer Assistance It s your It s your It s your Dear Consumer, A PSC Consumer Guide www.askpsc.com Dear Consumer, Telephone service competition holds many benefits for New Yorkers. Significant changes are taking place in the world of telecommunications. Different companies are now competing to provide

More information

Telecom Audit Training Module. Understanding Telecom Taxes, Fees, and Surcharges

Telecom Audit Training Module. Understanding Telecom Taxes, Fees, and Surcharges Telecom Audit Training Module Understanding Telecom Taxes, Fees, and Surcharges ... can add 20-30% to telecom costs! 6 5 4 Taxes, Fees & Surcharges 3 2 1 Taxes, Fees, Surcharges Monthly Charge 0 General

More information

HOUSE BILL 184. By Swann BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:

HOUSE BILL 184. By Swann BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE: HOUSE BILL 184 By Swann AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 29; Title 39, Chapter 17; Title 47, Chapter 18 and Title 65, Chapter 4, Part 4, relative to caller identification spoofing. BE IT

More information

Federalism Principles ( Draft Principles ) developed by the National Association of Regulatory Utility

Federalism Principles ( Draft Principles ) developed by the National Association of Regulatory Utility Re: NARUC TASK FORCE ON FEDERALISM Introduction XO Communications, LLC ( XO ) 1 appreciates the opportunity to comment on the Draft Federalism Principles ( Draft Principles ) developed by the National

More information

BEFORE THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, DC 20544

BEFORE THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, DC 20544 BEFORE THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, DC 20544 In the Matter of Petition of Nebraska Public Service Commission and Kansas Corporation Commission for Declaratory Ruling or, in the Alternative,

More information

Real Competition? Proposed Deregulation of Local Telephone Service in Illinois

Real Competition? Proposed Deregulation of Local Telephone Service in Illinois Real Competition? Proposed Deregulation of Local Telephone Service in Illinois Introduction Shirley T. Chiu Student Fellow, Institute for Consumer Antitrust Studies Loyola University Chicago School of

More information

Preparing for CAF Phase II and Tribal Mobility Funding Opportunities

Preparing for CAF Phase II and Tribal Mobility Funding Opportunities Preparing for CAF Phase II and Tribal Mobility Funding Opportunities July 31, 2013 Doug Eidahl VP of Consulting, Vantage Point Solutions 2211 N. Minnesota St. Mitchell, SD 57301 (605) 995-1777 FAX: (605)

More information

Telecommunications Issues in NM Economic & Rural Development Legislative Interim Committee September 20, 2012

Telecommunications Issues in NM Economic & Rural Development Legislative Interim Committee September 20, 2012 Telecommunications Issues in NM Economic & Rural Development Legislative Interim Committee September 20, 2012 Leo Baca, State Legislative Affairs Director CenturyLink CenturyLink in New Mexico CenturyLink

More information

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE FISCAL NOTE

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE FISCAL NOTE BILL NO. House Bill 911 PRINTER NO. 1756 AMOUNT See Fiscal Impact DATE INTRODUCED April 13, 2015 FUND 911 Fund PRIME SPONSOR Representative Barrar DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE OF BILL House Bill 911 amends

More information

Second Regular Session Sixty-ninth General Assembly STATE OF COLORADO INTRODUCED

Second Regular Session Sixty-ninth General Assembly STATE OF COLORADO INTRODUCED Second Regular Session Sixty-ninth General Assembly STATE OF COLORADO INTRODUCED LLS NO. 1-0.01 Jennifer Berman x HOUSE BILL 1- HOUSE SPONSORSHIP Williams and Coram, Becker, Dore, Hamner, McLachlan, Mitsch

More information

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS COMPTETITIVE CABLE AND VIDEO SERVICE ACT

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS COMPTETITIVE CABLE AND VIDEO SERVICE ACT SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS COMPTETITIVE CABLE AND VIDEO SERVICE ACT Sections 1-3 These introductory sections explain that the new act will amend the existing cable law (Title 7, Chapter 59), name the

More information

Before the Office of Management and Budget ) ) ) ) )

Before the Office of Management and Budget ) ) ) ) ) Before the Office of Management and Budget In the Matter of Information Collection Being Submitted For Review And Approval To The Office Of Management And Budget (OMB 78 Fed. Reg. 73861 OMB Control No.

More information

Before the Federal Communications Commission Washington, D.C. 20554

Before the Federal Communications Commission Washington, D.C. 20554 Before the Federal Communications Commission Washington, D.C. 20554 ) In the Matter of ) ) Petition for Declaratory Ruling of ) American Electric Power Service ) Corporation et al. Regarding the ) Rate

More information

Position Statement on Cable Television Regulation in Maine. Submitted by New England Cable and Telecommunications Association ( NECTA ) June 2009

Position Statement on Cable Television Regulation in Maine. Submitted by New England Cable and Telecommunications Association ( NECTA ) June 2009 Position Statement on Cable Television Regulation in Maine Submitted by New England Cable and Telecommunications Association ( NECTA ) June 2009 NECTA is a nonprofit corporation and trade association that

More information

Department of Legislative Services

Department of Legislative Services Department of Legislative Services Maryland General Assembly 2006 Session SB 972 FISCAL AND POLICY NOTE Senate Bill 972 Finance (Senator Green, et al.) Public Service Companies - Electric Companies and

More information

NATOA 2011 Conference - Gigabit Communities San Francisco September 20-23, 2011

NATOA 2011 Conference - Gigabit Communities San Francisco September 20-23, 2011 NATOA 2011 Conference - Gigabit Communities San Francisco September 20-23, 2011 The View from Washington and the State Capitals: A Legislative and Regulatory Update Gabriel Garcia Assistant City Attorney

More information

Review Of The Commission Workplace (O1) And Its Role In SIP Interconnection Services

Review Of The Commission Workplace (O1) And Its Role In SIP Interconnection Services Before the Federal Communications Commission Washington, D.C. 20554 In the Matter of Petition for Declaratory Ruling That tw telecom inc. Has The Right To Direct IP-to-IP Interconnection Pursuant To Section

More information

Telecom Decision CRTC 2013-480

Telecom Decision CRTC 2013-480 Telecom Decision CRTC 2013-480 PDF version Route reference: Telecom Notice of Consultation 2013-79 Ottawa, 11 September 2013 Review of rate principles for legacy business wholesale highspeed access services

More information

Before the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, DC 20554

Before the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, DC 20554 Before the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, DC 20554 In the Matter of ) VONAGE HOLDINGS ) CORPORATION ) WC Docket No. 03-211 Petition for Declaratory Ruling ) Concerning an Order of the )

More information

Department of Legislative Services Maryland General Assembly 2009 Session

Department of Legislative Services Maryland General Assembly 2009 Session Department of Legislative Services Maryland General Assembly 2009 Session HB 1182 FISCAL AND POLICY NOTE House Bill 1182 (Delegate Hixson) Ways and Means and Economic Matters Communications Services -

More information

KRASKIN, LESSE &. COSSON,

KRASKIN, LESSE &. COSSON, KRASKIN, LESSE &. COSSON, LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW TELECOMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS 2120 L Street, N.W., Suite 520 Telephone (202) 296-8890 Washington, D.C. 20037 Telecopier (202) 296-8893 September

More information

TAC Memo VoIP Interconnection. September 24, 2012

TAC Memo VoIP Interconnection. September 24, 2012 TAC Memo VoIP Interconnection September 24, 2012 As part of the transition from TDM to VoIP, many service providers in the United States have considered the migration from TDM to IP Interconnections to

More information

An electronic clearing house and settlement system for exchanging electronic transactions among banking institutions.

An electronic clearing house and settlement system for exchanging electronic transactions among banking institutions. 498 Company Officer 499 Company Officer The officer of a service provider company who is authorized to certify that data set forth in the FCC Form 498 is true, accurate, and complete. The 498 Company Officer

More information

Before the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20554. GN Docket No. 11-117. PS Docket No. 07-114. WC Docket No.

Before the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20554. GN Docket No. 11-117. PS Docket No. 07-114. WC Docket No. Before the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20554 In the Matter of Amending the Definition of Interconnected VoIP Service in Section 9.3 of the Commission s Rules Wireless E911 Location

More information

Before the Federal Communications Commission Washington, D.C. 20554

Before the Federal Communications Commission Washington, D.C. 20554 Before the Federal Communications Commission Washington, D.C. 20554 In the Matter of Vermont Telephone Company Petition for Declaratory Ruling Whether Voice Over Internet Protocol Services Are Entitled

More information

CITY ATTORNEYS OFFICE CITY HALL, 435 RYMAN MISSOULA, MT 59802 Phone: (406) 523-4614 Fax: (406) 327-2105 LEGAL OPINION 2002-014

CITY ATTORNEYS OFFICE CITY HALL, 435 RYMAN MISSOULA, MT 59802 Phone: (406) 523-4614 Fax: (406) 327-2105 LEGAL OPINION 2002-014 CITY ATTORNEYS OFFICE CITY HALL, 435 RYMAN MISSOULA, MT 59802 Phone: (406) 523-4614 Fax: (406) 327-2105 LEGAL OPINION 2002-014 TO: FROM: Mike Kadas, Mayor City Council Janet Stevens, Chief Administrative

More information

THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS BEFORE THE RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS BEFORE THE RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS BEFORE THE RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION Level 3 Communications, L.L.C. Revisions to Access Tariff R.I. PUC Rate Schedule No. 2 Docket No.

More information

How To Understand The History Of The Telephone Company In Philly.Com

How To Understand The History Of The Telephone Company In Philly.Com Testimony of: ~ ver1zon before the House Consumer Affairs Committee Thursday, February 7, 2013 Frank P. Buzydlowski Director, State Government Relations Verizon Communications Strawberry Square, 12th floor

More information

REFERENCE ACTION ANALYST STAFF DIRECTOR or BUDGET/POLICY CHIEF. 1) Insurance & Banking Subcommittee 13 Y, 0 N, As CS Cooper Cooper

REFERENCE ACTION ANALYST STAFF DIRECTOR or BUDGET/POLICY CHIEF. 1) Insurance & Banking Subcommittee 13 Y, 0 N, As CS Cooper Cooper HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES STAFF ANALYSIS BILL #: CS/HB 1227 Surplus Lines Insurance SPONSOR(S): Insurance & Banking Subcommittee, Hager TIED BILLS: IDEN./SIM. BILLS: SB 1816 REFERENCE ACTION ANALYST STAFF

More information

*HB0380S03* H.B. 380 3rd Sub. (Cherry) LEGISLATIVE GENERAL COUNSEL Approved for Filing: C.J. Dupont 03-09-16 7:25 PM

*HB0380S03* H.B. 380 3rd Sub. (Cherry) LEGISLATIVE GENERAL COUNSEL Approved for Filing: C.J. Dupont 03-09-16 7:25 PM LEGISLATIVE GENERAL COUNSEL Approved for Filing: C.J. Dupont 03-09-16 7:25 PM H.B. 380 3rd Sub. (Cherry) Senator Kevin T. Van Tassell proposes the following substitute bill: 1 UTAH COMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY

More information

Good morning, Chairman Hall, Vice Chair Thompson, Cera, and Committee members.

Good morning, Chairman Hall, Vice Chair Thompson, Cera, and Committee members. 555 Buttles Avenue Columbus, OH 43215 614/221-7201 800/589-5888 614/221-7625, Fax http://www.ohiopovertylawcenter.org Before the House Agriculture and Natural Opponent Testimony on Telecommunications Provisions

More information

Before the Federal Communications Commission Washington, D.C. 20554

Before the Federal Communications Commission Washington, D.C. 20554 Before the Federal Communications Commission Washington, D.C. 20554 In the Matter of Connect America Fund WC Docket No. 10-90 A National Broadband Plan for Our Future GN Docket No. 09-51 Establishing Just

More information

LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION PDF VERSION

LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION PDF VERSION CHAPTER 75 PDF p. 1 of 7 CHAPTER 75 (SB 246) AN ACT relating to construction of certain electric transmission lines. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky: Section 1. KRS

More information

BEFORE THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON D.C. 20554

BEFORE THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON D.C. 20554 BEFORE THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON D.C. 20554 In the Matter of: ) ) Contributions to the Telecommunications ) CG Docket No. 11-47 Relay Services Fund ) Introduction Comments of the

More information

Before the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, DC 20554

Before the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, DC 20554 Before the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, DC 20554 In the Matter of ) ) Lifeline and Link Up Reform and Modernization ) WC Docket No. 11-42 ) Telecommunications Carriers Eligible for Universal

More information

BEFORE THE SENATE COMMUNICATIONS AND HIGH TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE

BEFORE THE SENATE COMMUNICATIONS AND HIGH TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE BEFORE THE SENATE COMMUNICATIONS AND HIGH TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE Senator Jake Corman, Chairman Testimony of SONNY POPOWSKY CONSUMER ADVOCATE Regarding Chapter 30 of the Public Utility Code State College,

More information

STATE BOARD OF EQUALIZATION STAFF LEGISLATIVE BILL ANALYSIS

STATE BOARD OF EQUALIZATION STAFF LEGISLATIVE BILL ANALYSIS STATE BOARD OF EQUALIZATION STAFF LEGISLATIVE BILL ANALYSIS Date Amended: 03/23/11 Bill No: Senate Bill 530 Tax Program: Satellite TV Author: Wright Sponsor: Author Code Sections: Part 14.5 (commencing

More information

RECEIVED SUS -7 AH!!: 37. MFENKNT HEGOWDm. July 31,2008

RECEIVED SUS -7 AH!!: 37. MFENKNT HEGOWDm. July 31,2008 ^A5^/ Suzan DeBusk Paiva Assistant General Counsel Pennsylvania RECEIVED SUS -7 AH!!: 37 MFENKNT HEGOWDm verizon 1717 Arch Street, 10W Philadelphia, PA 19103 Tel: (215)466-4755 Fax:(215)563-2658 Suzan.D.Paiva@Verizon.com

More information

In the Matter of ) ) ) ) Consumer Information and Disclosure ) CG Docket No. 09-158. Truth-in-Billing and Billing Format ) CG Docket No.

In the Matter of ) ) ) ) Consumer Information and Disclosure ) CG Docket No. 09-158. Truth-in-Billing and Billing Format ) CG Docket No. Before the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, DC 20554 In the Matter of Empowering Consumers to Prevent and Detect Billing for Unauthorized Charges ( Cramming CG Docket No. 11-116 Consumer Information

More information

HOUSE BILL 2587 AN ACT

HOUSE BILL 2587 AN ACT Senate Engrossed House Bill State of Arizona House of Representatives Fifty-second Legislature First Regular Session 2015 HOUSE BILL 2587 AN ACT AMENDING SECTIONS 35-142 AND 35-315, ARIZONA REVISED STATUTES;

More information

Submission by the Asia Pacific Carriers Coalition

Submission by the Asia Pacific Carriers Coalition Submission by the Asia Pacific Carriers Coalition In Response to Consultation Paper issued by TRAI on Relaxing Restrictive Provision of Internet Telephony (IPT) (Consultation Paper No. 11/08 issued on

More information

Second Regular Session Sixty-eighth General Assembly STATE OF COLORADO INTRODUCED. Bill Summary

Second Regular Session Sixty-eighth General Assembly STATE OF COLORADO INTRODUCED. Bill Summary Second Regular Session Sixty-eighth General Assembly STATE OF COLORADO INTRODUCED LLS NO. 1-00.0 Duane Gall x SENATE BILL 1-1 SENATE SPONSORSHIP Scheffel and Tochtrop, HOUSE SPONSORSHIP Williams A. and

More information